Appraisal Blog

Lowering Appraisal Requirements: Appraisal Waivers + More

Appraisal requirements are lowering. From appraisal waivers to desktop appraisals + more - find out what's changing and how it affects you!

Does The Home Appraisal Value Change Frequently?

May 10, 2019

The appraisal on our home - does the value change weekly or monthly?

Skipping The Home Appraisal Can Cost Thousands

May 5, 2019

No appraisal was conducted when this Realtor/Investor bought this AZ home for $400,000. Instead, the realtor relied on an AVM (automated valuation model often done by websites that let you type in an address and spit out a value). The sale price a month later was a disaster.

Comparables Less Than 3 Months Old

March 18, 2019

What if I want my appraisal to only include comparable homes in my neighborhood sold in the last 3 months?

Home Appraisal Quality Ratings

February 18, 2019

Quality ratings appear on your home appraisal, but what do they mean and how does an appraiser rate your home?

Are Computer Valuations (AVMs) Smarter Than Appraisers?

January 18, 2019

Computer programs known as AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) can be a useful tool to check and balance appraisals - but just like the football simulations, they are not always accurate. Here's why.

Does Adding Smart Home Features Increase Your Home Value?

September 10, 2018

Does adding smart-home technology, features such as security cameras, network-connected thermostats and lighting, help increase your home value?

Alternative Appraisals - Why You Should Avoid Them

August 13, 2018

Alternative appraisals (sometimes called desktop appraisals) are being asked for to provide a quick estimate of property value without paying the cost of a real appraisal. Sounds good, right? Wrong. You want to stay away from alternative appraisals, here's why.

Appraisal Waiver - Good or Bad?

June 21, 2018

An Appraisal Waiver, or Property Inspection Waiver (PIW), allows you to be approved for a mortgage without an appraisal at all - and we’ve seen it for homes here in AZ. It's a relatively new concept, and some lenders love it. But you want to know about the risks before skipping the appraisal.

Why Paying More For A Home Appraisal Makes Sense

May 18, 2018

Would you look for the cheapest attorney? How about the cheapest Financial Advisor? Probably not - because you know experience and accuracy count when you’ve got a lot on the line. So why would you consider hiring the lowest cost appraisal when it comes to the value of one of your biggest investments? Here’s why paying more for an appraisal might make sense.

Do Appraisers Know The Selling Price?

April 10, 2018

The appraiser will most likely know the selling price of a home. Why? Because the standard appraisal forms require it. Read more...

What if The Square Footage on Your Home Is Wrong?

March 28, 2018

There are many reasons why the square footage listed in MLS may differ from the square footage from the county’s assessment of your property, or even the square footage calculated by a home appraiser. But what do you do when this happens?

How Are New Construction Homes Appraised?

February 23, 2018

An appraisal is part of the home buying process, but how can appraiser give a value to a home that hasn’t been built yet?

How Does An Appraiser Value a Home With $100,000 of Recent Upgrades?

February 20, 2018

When a homeowner upgrades a kitchen, bathroom, or some other part of their home, they want to know what that upgrade is worth when it comes to the sale value of the home. Did it increase the home’s value by the same amount they spent? More? That’s the question we’re looking at.

Does a Shade Tree Increase a Home’s Value?

February 15, 2018

In Arizona, shade is a valuable commodity in the summertime. But does a shade tree really increase a home’s value?

How To Prepare Your Home For An Appraisal

January 29, 2018

Before an Appraiser arrives, there are a few things you should know about preparing your home for an appraisal.

Low Home Appraisal? Should You Challenge It?

January 25, 2018

An appraiser's job is to be impartial on the value of your home. But what if you believe your home is worth more than it was appraised for?

Home Value of An Addition

January 19, 2018

When you look at all the ways to add space to your house, no other method adds more space than a house addition. But what happens to your home value if the addition didn’t have permits?

Why a Home Appraisal Is Not The Same As a Home Inspection

December 12, 2017

Many people think that appraisals and inspections are essentially the same thing - but there are some key differences; especially considering an appraiser is looking at the value of the home, while an inspector is looking for any defects. Find out more...

Items an Appraiser Always Photographs

November 29, 2017

When you have an appraisal done, the appraiser will not only look around at your home and visit each room, but he or she will be taking pictures. Why? Several reasons...

Yes or No? Property Inspection Waiver

November 1, 2017

New in 2017, your lender may give you the option to use a Property Inspection Waiver – or PIW – on your loan application. The waiver allows you to be approved for a mortgage without an appraisal at all. But is this a good thing?

What If There Are No Direct Comps in the Same Zip?

October 30, 2017

Comparables (recent sales of nearby homes that are similar, or comparable, to the home that’s the subject of an appraisal) are important when assessing an appraisal, as they help develop a credible opinion of value. At the end of the day, it’s up to the appraiser to find the most relevant comps that exist and deliver a credible opinion of value.

So what happens when a home has a unique feature unlike any other property sold in the same zip code in the last few years?

When You Can Hire Your Own Home Appraiser - and When You Can't

October 20, 2017

When selling a home, the appraisal fee is typically paid by the buyer, but the lender chooses the home appraiser. Why? Because appraisers must be a neutral party. So when do you get to choose the home appraiser?

How Are 'Price Per Square Foot' Adjustments Made?

October 12, 2017

As an appraiser, I get asked about 'Price per Square Foot' frequently, usually followed with 'Why wasn't it the same as my neighbors?' Here's why...

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser

September 29, 2017

According to the Appraisal Institute, every year, for the past eight years, the number of active real estate appraisers has declined. That’s why, when I had a realtor visit my office and ask what he would need to become an appraiser, I thought I would share my answer.

Do I Need to Replace a Cracked Window?

August 28, 2017

As an appraiser, I get asked many questions multiple times a day. Yesterday, an agent asked me about a cracked window on a listing - they wanted to know if it would be required to be replaced for an FHA loan.

Do I REALLY Need To Do Repairs Before An Appraisal?

August 21, 2017

A real estate appraisal isn't an inspection. The appraiser looks for things that affect the overall value of the house...so the answer is - Yes and No. Find out the most common repairs you should address.

What Is The Difference Between a Condo and a Townhouse?

August 9, 2017

Ask The Appraiser: Technically speaking, what is the difference between a condo and a townhouse?

Why You Need Your Own Divorce Appraisal

July 1, 2017

Divorce settlements involve many decisions, including who keeps the house. The biggest asset in almost every situation is going to be the home. The problem with that is, how much is the home worth? In a divorce, you may not agree...

Do Appraisers Consider FSBO Properties in Comparable Listings?

May 3, 2017

Do appraisers consider FSBO (For Sale By Owner) properties in their comparable listings when calculating the value of a home? Yes and no....

Mortgage Calculators

Mobile Home Appraisals

Appraisals can be done on mobile and modular homes...but do you know what classifies them into these categories in the first place?

Ethics in Appraisals

Dec 6, 2016

How do we know an appraiser is giving us an unbiased opinion of value? It all has to do with USPAP.

Why An Independent Appraisal is Crucial for FSBO

Nov 18, 2016

If you're planning to sell your home, it's a wise decision to make a small investment in a professional appraisal. Unless you study real estate values on a day to day basis like a professional appraiser does, it's difficult for you to get a handle on real estate values - which is why an independent appraisal is crucial.

FSBO Video

Nov 18, 2016

Why a professional, independent appraisal is important when you plan to sell, For Sale By Owner.

FHA Certified Appraiser

Oct 20, 2016

Master Appraisal Services is an FHA-approved appraisal practice in the State of Arizona. If you have an FHA-loan, be sure to call Master Appraisal Services, as we are approved and qualified to produce FHA reports. We're trained and understand the rules and procedures in FHA's guidance and policy documents.

PMI Video

Sept 13, 2016

Find out more about PMI, Private Mortgage Insurance, what it is, and how to remove it from your monthly mortgage payment.

Inspection Tips

August 28, 2016

When it comes to the home inspection, it's important for you to be there and to get to know the condition of the house you are buying, and to choose the right inspector - plus so much more.

7 Reasons to Skip a Free Home Valuation

July 19, 2016

Have you seen the websites promising to tell you the value of your home with just an address? Homeowners using "free online home value” forms need to know what those results aren't telling them. Find out more.

Three Approaches to Value

May 18, 2016

There are three ways to determine the value of anything, and each plays a part in property appraisal. Find out how your home will be evaluated, critiqued, and compared before an appraiser can determine your property value.

Why Get An Appraisal?

April 21, 2016

It has become an understood and accepted part of a real estate transaction. "Let's bring in the expert and make sure we're not spending too much on this property."
But is this the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there other times when the services of a certified, licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet.

What Is An Appraisal?

March 18, 2016

An appraisal is how we determine a current home or property value, and here are 3 things you need to know about your appraisal.